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31 May 2016

Bold print: check! Artistic top: check! Monochromatic: check! Architectural shoes: check! This outfit ticks all the boxes! I might sound like a broken record by this point, but I must say it again! Black and white outfits don't mean bland and boring. By mixing textures, patterns and interesting elements, the look can be very intricate and multi-dimensional! Today's outfit is a prime example. A structured and conservative pencil skirt is a fun twist on a classic, a black top is updated with flutter sleeves and interesting cutouts and the simple black sandals are modernized. I mean who hasn't worn the classic black top-pencil skirt-black shoes outfit? I'm not reinventing the wheel here, simply injecting my personal style into a tried and true formula!

30 May 2016

Boating season is officially open! My partner is a fishing enthusiast and acquired a boat a couple years ago. I must admit I wasn't keen on the idea at first, but I quickly warmed up to it. I now find myself enjoying the boat quite a bit! I'm definitely not into the fishing, but I enjoy day trips along the river to visit historic little towns along the way. It makes for a very pleasant way to discover our area and makes it seem like we are on vacation. Our first ride of the season was last weekend and it sure was a busy one on the river! Boats galore! I like to be prepared and wear a swimsuit whenever we go boating, it's just the practical thing to do. This little scalloped number is just the cutest! I love the colour and the whimsical touches. I also decided to wear my scallop trimmed cobalt shorts (just to stick with the theme!) Why stop at one bright colour? In come the chartreuse tank and the green earrings. Bright colours pop so much in the summer sunshine it would be a shame to skimp out!

29 May 2016

What does one wear for backyard hang-outs on a long weekend? Well, shorts and a cami are always a good bet! I pulled out my white shorts and paired them with this cute printed peplum camisole for an easy breezy outfit. Throw on a pair of white sneakers and you are effortlessly chic! I have to admit that I only wore the sneakers for a quick Giant Tiger run and then opted to go bare foot the rest of the day. Growing up on a farm, wearing shoes was optional and I still have a tendency to forgo footwear every now and then... Nothing beats the feeling of the warm deck or walking barefoot through the grass. Go ahead and be one with nature!

28 May 2016

The sun was out and it was the Friday before a long weekend. I was in a cheery mood and had a spring in my step! I decided to channel my great mood into my outfit. Naturally, I picked a bright yellow dress, topped it with a light-washed denim jacket and leopard-print sandals. I threw on my panama hat because it was actually sunny enough to wear it. I then finished the look by clipping a big fluffy pin to my jacket to give it instant flair! This pin is actually a hair piece! I was feeling extra creative and love that I can get more wear out of my statement pieces! Putting a broach or a pin on a denim jacket instantly dresses it up and makes it more glam. Who doesn't want a glam jean jacket?

27 May 2016

Something about this look is making me think of the island of Santorini! The blue and white combination always makes me think of this iconic place. This crop top is actually part of a coordinated set, but I chose to wear it in a more work appropriate outfit. The trick here is that I am wearing a camisole underneath the top. That way, when I move around, I don't end up flashing my tummy. This is fine in a casual setting, but for work, it's better to cover up. This is an easy trick to get more wear out of your crop tops!

26 May 2016

A classic wrap dress in a classic print, what more could a girl ask? This simple dress, in a traditional black and white polka-dot, is as timeless as they come! I kept it classy with sheer black tights and t-strap heels, but gave the look more pep with a chartreuse cardigan. A classic look, updated with a pop of colour. Sometimes, only one piece is required to update a look. You can wear your trusty looks over and over again, without it seeming like you are always wearing the same thing on repeat. The trick is to update or switch up one element! Give it a go with your go-to looks!

25 May 2016

This is one of my favourite pencil skirts. The colour and fabric are simply perfect! For today's look, I paired it with a white peplum top and sandals, and turquoise accessories. The simplicity of the look really lets the peplum feature shine! Great outfits don't have to be complicated. Inspiration is everywhere, and I must admit I had no particular inspiration when putting this look together. However, when I walked into Sugarfina for my sugar fix, the employee told me I looked like I should be working there, seeing as I matched the logo! I then got to thinking I also happen to match the very famous Tiffany's packaging! I guess I was subliminally inspired by my tastes in jewelry and sweets...

24 May 2016

I've been waiting a while to wear this dress, and I decided today was the day! Well, it turns out today was crazy windy. I figured I'd up the ante and not let the weather win this outfit battle! I decided to wear white skinny jeans UNDER the dress! Take that, blistery wind gusts! Seeing as it was a shirt dress with slits, wearing it as a long tunic works just as well as if I were to wear it as a dress. I love items that can be worn multiple ways. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of creativity to wear a garment in an unusual way. Sometimes, the weather is what really gets my creative juices flowing! I was able to adapt my original look today, but I don't always get that lucky when the forecast is unpredictable. Sometimes, I even have to style a new outfit from scratch... But, I'm just whining now.

23 May 2016

I had a crazy week and a busy weekend, so Monday morning came pretty quickly! I wasn't feeling too inspired, so I grabbed my trusty black skinnies and added a white blouse with lace inserts. I stuck with black accessories and called it a day. The peek-a-boo lace panels on the blouse give it an edgier look, so I figured lace-up flats and a black statement necklace would complete the look well. It is a lot of black, but each element adds interest to the look, so it's not unidimensional. Since the weather is chillier lately, I reached for a leather topper to shield me from the wind gusts. I did end up liking this look, even though it was sort of thrown together. I guess I got lucky today and my outfit turned out to be a hit instead of a miss. Although, I try to avoid playing inspiration-roulette, some mornings, it's simply inevitable...

22 May 2016

We were lucky enough to be invited to a friend's cottage for the weekend and I had really been looking forward to it. The forecast was calling for sun with a bit of clouds, but it actually rained all day on the Saturday... I knew it wouldn't be summer weather, so I packed accordingly, but I was hoping to sit out on the deck with a drink for a couple hours. When the rain finally seemed to let up, we seized the opportunity to take outfit pics. It was a chill day spent in a cottage, so I'm happy I had brought my trusty weekend-uniform of skinny jeans and a sweater! I also figured boat shoes would be appropriate. I was happy I also thought of bringing a scarf. It sure came in handy! I guess we'll have to take a rain check and come back when the temperature is more summer-like! Regardless of the weather, a weekend at the cottage is always a great way to unwind. Jeans: Old Navy | Sweater: Dynamite | Necklace: Smart Set | Scarf: (gift) | Hat: Old Navy | Shoes: H&M

21 May 2016

So, turns our Mother Nature had very different plans to the ones I had last weekend... She decided snow would be an appropriate forecast for a mid-May cottage weekend. I was not expecting it to be really warm, but I was definitely not prepared for snow! I mean, come on! So here I am in my watermelon-print top and flip-flops... Yeah, I thought I was being smart by bringing jeans instead of shorts. Next time, I'm packing for all seasons! We did have a good laugh at the situation thought, there was nothing else we could do about it! The lesson learned is to always rock your look, even when you are clearly not dressed for the weather! Oh, and always pack a backup outfit!

20 May 2016

I've always loved learning and I find educational field trips exhilarating! Yes, I'm that person... Anyways, I'm always down for training sessions or learning opportunities. Today, I was lucky enough to take part in a work-related field trip. It was to last the entire day and involved a bus ride as it was out of town. To me, that means I have to wear some comfortable and practical clothing. I decided on printed pants, because I can't get enough of them, and wanted a couple layers on top. You never know what the weather (or AC) will be like, so I like to be prepared. I decided on a lace top and a light-washed denim jacket. Throw a couple blingy items into the mix and you are good to go! So there you have it, a cute and functional look for a day of busing and touring! I also packed a tote (not pictures) to hold all necessary snacks, water and personal effects. I like to consolidate in one bag for trips like these. It makes it a lot easier than carrying and purse and multiple bags.

19 May 2016

Another season switch-a-roo for today's throwback! I like mixing things up, whether it be patterns or garments that wouldn't typically be worn together. I never thought I'd wear this Fair Isle knit with shorts, but by adding fun tights and layering a shirt under the sweater, I came up with an unexpected winter look. The different patterns don't clash because they are in the same colour palette. By sticking to grey, beige and black, it gave me a bit more freedom to pile on the textural elements without it getting overwhelming. If you are new to print-mixing, start with a neutral colour palette and build from there!

18 May 2016

So this look started off by me wanting to pair a crop top with a high-waisted midi skirt, but I quickly realized I was channeling a street mime! The striped top, the black bottom and a touch of red... I'm only missing the white gloves and face paint! I did a classic black cat-eye and a red lip as a nod to the traditional face makeup. I never realized just how stylish classic street mimes are. This look is 100% French flair and I absolutely love it! I guess my French heritage has something to do with my obsession with stripes... It must be in my blood!

17 May 2016

This outfit is totally inspired by the sky and clouds. The light blue of the pants reminds me of the sky on a clear summer day. I was then inspired to pair the bottoms with an ivory crochet top, as I felt the circular motif gives the top a certain fluffiness, just like the puffy clouds up above! Seeing as the shirt has a peek-a-boo panel, and I wanted to wear this outfit to work, I topped it off with an ivory blazer. I usually wear this top in a casual setting, but was satisfied with the little trick I pulled to wear it in a more formal setting. Note that I am not showing skin in any other area. Also note that this practice is probably not accepted in every work setting, be sure to check your dress codes before attempting this! Proceed with caution.

16 May 2016

This striped cross-hem tank is simply darling! It's trendy, yet strikes me as timeless also. The white and blue striping and the V-neck is classic, while the asymmetrical peplum hemline resonates more with the current fashions. To me, this little number should be a summer staple in every closet. It can take you from a picnic, to sightseeing, to boating, and every other summer scenario imaginable. It would literally work for almost any occasion. It is casual, yet dressy all in one! Versatility at its best! This top is sure to make an appearance in my next vacation capsule wardrobe. I can just picture myself floating along on a Venetian gondola...

15 May 2016

A little number, a little shimmer, what more could a girl need? I love this simple number 3 graphic tee. Like I've mentioned before, this is the closest thing to a jersey I'd wear. My favourite number done in a sequin finish: sold! For those days you want to add just a touch of pizzazz to your look, this little number will do the trick! I added my pewter leather flats to pick up on the glam game, but kept the rest of the look fun and fresh with a chartreuse cardigan and lilac jeans. I realize that this particular colour combination is not a popular one, but I really like the total effect! Don't be afraid of colour! Try finding new colour combinations in your closet. You'd be surprised by how many combinations can be done, and let me tell you, it's probably more than 3!

14 May 2016

I enjoy running. There is something so freeing about it. Plus, nothing feels as good as a runner's high. After a run, I feel like I can tackle anything life might throw my way! This look is my typical running get-up. I like to go for early morning runs, so layers are a must. I cannot imagine a better running jacket than this Lululemon one. It was a Christmas gift a few years back and I would not trade it in for any other. It's got pockets, a hood, air vents, cuffins (cuffs that turn into mittens) and it obviously has reflectors! Underneath the jacket I usually wear one of my many Lululemon tanks (they truly are the best!) and a pair of crops (or shorts when the weather is warmer). I definitely wear some good running shoes. This is very important! The last thing I wear is my Garmin watch to be able to track all the stats and progress. Wearing great workout gear is an extra motivation to get moving!Jacket: Lululemon | Crops: Old Navy | Top: Lululemon | Headband: Lululemon | Watch: Garmin | Running Shoes:New Balance

13 May 2016

I'm happy that it is finally cute-dress season! I really enjoy wearing dresses in the summer because they are so breezy and keep me cool. I definitely put that on my list of Top reasons why being a girl is awesome! When it's hot, wear a light, flowy dress to keep you cool and comfortable. The other bonus is that summer dresses come in the sweetest prints and patterns, not to mention the to-die-for embellishments such as ruffles and textures. I am also s sucker for dresses with interesting cuts and hemlines. If the structure of the dress is avant-garde, the rest need not be complicated. The opposite is also true. A crazy print often works well on a simply constructed dress. Today, I finally busted out the first of many summer dresses to come this season. This one is an oldie, but I still love it. The beige and black print is timeless, while the A-line silhouette is classic. The ruffle adds a touch of interest, but is not overly trendy. I believe this is why I still have this dress. Some pieces are worth hanging on to!

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All product selection, styling and opinions are my own. Couture du Jour by Mimi is a member of an affiliate network which enables a click-based commission on links contained within the site and related social media platforms (including Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest).